Strasbourg, 03.03.2026 – The Committee of Experts of the Council of Europe's European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages published its eighth evaluation report on Hungary, which reflects developments in protection and promotion of minority languages and identifies further action to improve progress. 

The report notes that Hungary benefits from a solid legal and institutional framework supporting national minorities and minority language use. Authorities maintain an ongoing dialogue with minority representatives, while minority self-governments play a central role in promoting language and culture across the country. Minority language education is well established, with networks of kindergartens and schools offering education in minority languages, bilingual teaching, or language instruction for most languages protected by the Charter. Minority languages enjoy visibility in cultural life through museums, theatres, documentation centres and numerous community initiatives. The report moreover praises Hungary’s earlier decision to extend stronger Charter protections to Boyash and Romani, demonstrating continued commitment to linguistic diversity. 

But the Committee of Experts notes uneven progress. In practice, minority languages are rarely used before courts or in contacts with administrative authorities, despite the existing legal possibilities. Education in minority languages and bilingual education face practical challenges, notably shortages of textbooks and teachers capable of teaching subjects in minority languages. While public radio and television provide programmes for minorities, television airtime remains limited, and technical difficulties affect radio reception. Proactive measures are encouraged to ensure minority languages are used in public life and transmitted to younger generations. 

Priority steps for the Hungarian authorities to consolidate progress include the following: 
• Develop language-specific strategies and action plans to promote minority languages, in co-operation with their speakers.
• Strengthen education in minority languages and bilingual education at all levels and increase the number of qualified teachers.
• Extend educational provision for Boyash and Romani.
• Facilitate the use of minority languages in dealings with administrative authorities.
• Improve media offerings, including through digital formats and training schemes for journalists working in minority languages.